Diageo has announced what it claims to be one of its most innovative products for a decade - Baileys Chocolat Luxe.

The world’s largest premium drinks company says this is the first time that real Belgian chocolate has been fused with alcohol in a way that delivers the “multi-sensory experience of chocolate in a glass”.

The company says Baileys Chocolat Luxe has been created by Anthony Wilson, principal scientist and son of one of Baileys Original Irish Cream’s creators Steve Wilson. It has been three years in the making and has involved travelling across three continents, says the company.

Working with a world-class chocolatier and his team of leading scientists, Wilson tasted more than 200 chocolate varieties.

Diageo says it was the smallest of changes that provided the breakthrough after 839 failed attempts. Lowering the alcohol content by just 1.3%, the flavour of the whiskey finally complemented, rather than overpowered the sweet, smoky essence of the chocolate.

Wilsonsaid: “The philosophy behind developing Baileys Chocolat Luxe was to create an ambient molten chocolate experience – something that you could pour and drink at room temperature that would have the multi-sensory experience of eating chocolate. This is combining two ingredients that were always destined to be together; finally becoming a reality.

“Baileys was the first liqueur to fuse whiskey and cream, and now Baileys Chocolat Luxe heralds a ground breaking innovation in chocolate – the first time real Belgian chocolate has been fused with alcohol to deliver a real Belgian chocolate experience. I am proud to be the one to say I helped make this happen and that the family legacy with Baileys continues with a brand new innovative product.”

Food architect Sam Bompas has put his endorsed the product: “This is a huge moment for chocolate, people have tried before but the problem is chocolate is solid, turning that into a drink is far from easy. What Diageo has created with Baileys Chocolat Luxe is not only a great tasting drink; it is a real quality chocolate experience.”

Baileys Chocolat Luxe has Madagascan vanilla and more than 30g of real Belgian chocolate per bottle.

Baileys Chocolat Luxe is available exclusively at Harvey Nichols from August 12 and available nationwide from October, retailing at £16.99 for 50cl.